CHURCH services taken by a lay reader have been put forward as an option to tackle the shortage of vicars.
The idea has come from the Reverend John McGuire, rector of Biddulph Moor, following a meeting about the issue at Biddulph Moor Church.
The meeting was held to discuss the problem of clergy shortage and its effect on the Biddulph, Biddulph Moor, Knypersley and Mow Cop parishes.
"From the various views put forward the one I found to be the best solution was one where the parish would retain its independence without a clergyman," said Mr McGuire.
"Servces would be taken by a resident lay reader supported by a team of laity, and a clergyman would be invited in once every fortnight or month to take communion and baptism services."
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